As commandant of a military post, I can only have my troops furnished with fresh beef in the manner prescribed by law, and an am compelled, therefore, with due thanks to his excellency, respectfully to decline his offer. If his suggestion is based upon a right, then I must procure the meat as we have been in the habit of doing for years, under an unexpired contract with Mr. McSweeney, a Charleston butcher...
The next line referred to Anderson refusing the governor's offer and returning his thanks. I had already posted that information in post 447, although not those exact words.
Have a good weekend.